Best Air Scrubber for Basement | Top 5 Air Scrubbers, Pros&Cons

The odor from basements stinks like rotten eggs, and nobody likes it. The poor ventilation and musty mold are choking since there are no windows to bring in the fresh air and replace the odor.

If you have a smelly basement, you’ll need an air scrubber to clean the air. An air scrubber is beneficial for people suffering from allergies and breathing difficulties. It works best in a disgusting cellar due to stagnant air.

An air scrubber can help circulate clean air in your basement or any part of your home with indoor air quality that falls below the average level.

Improving the air quality in a basement by cleaning with an air scrubber is the simplest way of getting rid of dampness, dust, and musty odors always present in basements.

These negative air machines circulate air through filters and dump the contaminants floating around. The contaminants may include allergens, bacteria, dust, and mold spores. The best air scrubber for a basement comes with features that eliminate pollutants from the basement completely.

The features are Pre-filter, True HEPA filter, and Activated Carbon filter. Combining these features will eliminate up to 99.97% of harmful airborne particles of 0.3 microns, remove the damp smell, and kill germs. 

Let’s consider the factors you must look out for before purchasing a scrubber for your basement.

Top 5 Air Scrubbers for Basement

Buyer’s Guide to Select the Best Air Scrubber for Basement

When choosing an air scrubber for a basement, you need to consider factors that will help in restoration and mold remediation projects.

1. Filtration System

The filtration system is the main feature of an air scrubber for a basement as the filter handles the particles and odor filtration process. Most organic contaminants are microscopic with sizes 0.3 to 100 microns captured by a True HEPA filter only.

A HEPA filter will remove all microbes such as mildew and mold, protects the air with antimicrobial treatment to prevent the contaminants from reforming.

An activated carbon filter purifies the basement of VOCs and odor smells through chemical adsorption. It prevents the musty and smells from clinging to the walls of the basement.

2. Type of Blower

Using an air scrubber continuously causes debris to accumulate on the filters, which will reduce efficiency and airflow to cause static resistance.

Blowers in air scrubbers are for different functions. The Air-foil type blowers overcome the drop in pressure due to dirty filters because it produces powerful airflow to prolong the filter as it starts collecting debris.

3. Durability

Air scrubbers with rotomolded polyethylene housing are known for durability. They can withstand different levels of handling for a long time.

Before making a purchase, always confirm the details of warranty coverage for maintenance or failure of machines. Make sure you get information on operational faults and failures.

4. Power Output

Negative air machines with higher wattage are better because they generate more powerful airflow for the basement.

One unit uses about 3amps, but you might need more than a unit for a large basement. That’s why the GFCI power outlet is provided for some air scrubbers to connect more units.

Turning ON the unit will automatically Power-ON other units connected to it, for a combined power output up to 1035W.

5. Price

Renting an air scrubber is expensive, so it is better to buy your unit, as commercial air scrubbers are better investments for the owners.

The robust high-end unit may be expensive but will last for several years. With your specifications handy, you can still get the best performing air scrubber for your project without breaking the bank.

Go for a negative air machine that can handle your job effectively for the best price. 

6. Negative Air Pressure

A scrubber must achieve the negative air pressure level to be effective in mold remediation. It requires a scrubber with a powerful fan and motor, with a completely sealed body, to maintain the negative air pressure.

Creating a negative air pressure means that more air will leave the place than is entering it. It remains the key to handling dust, fungus, smoke, mold, dirt, and other particles.

7. Airflow Rating

It is vital to consider the airflow rating of an air scrubber for a basement before making a purchase. Cubic feet per minute or CFM expresses the volume of air moved by an air scrubber. Although there is no minimum bar, machines with a higher CFM are preferred.

Eliminating mold from a basement requires a higher airflow rating. Be sure that the scrubber you choose has a rating that is suitable for mold remediation. A scrubber with a 500CFM airflow and above can handle the job.

8. Speed

Air scrubbers come with 2-speed options: single-speed or multiple-speed options. Different applications require different speed modes.

In a multiple-speed system, you can adjust the speed of the machine for the job done. Doing this is more flexible compared to the single-speed system. Also, air can recirculate better with the multiple-speed system.

The single-speed unit is not adjustable for airspeed and may not offer a better air cleaning system. Due to this, you cannot control noise during usage.

9. Portable or Integrated

Before purchasing an air scrubber, you need to decide on the type for your job.

Portable air scrubbers work best for large-scale projects like remodeling, restoration, or mediation. For mold and dust elimination from a basement, a portable air scrubber is most suitable.

The integrated types are installed as permanent fixtures in the home and connected to your HVAC system. It means that they work continuously to get rid of contaminants in your home and maintain fresh and clean air.

10. Coverage

Different manufacturers of air scrubbers always give their recommended maximum coverage area. The figure derives from the CADR ratings, airflow, and ACH (Air Changes per Hour).

Scrubbers with a coverage area of 500 sq ft and above are better for your projects.

11. Energy Consumption

Most HEPA air scrubbers come with a 1/3HP motor calculated as 250W of power and a minimum power cord length of 25 feet. They also have a built-in GFCI outlet to power multiple units. Ensure you check the power ratings before using the outlet. Also, avoid using a power cord extender.

Top 5 Best Air Scrubbers for Basements

1. XPOWER X-2580 HEPA Air Scrubber

Best Filtration System

The XPOWER X-2580 is portable, lightweight, and it’s transported easily. It has 4-stages of filtration system to remove airborne particles and odor for fresh and clean air.

The first and second stages consist of Nylon mesh pre-filters for capturing medium to large particles. The third stage is the carbon filter. This level is for smell removal and odor adsorption since a basement always has a foul smell.

The fourth stage is the HEPA filter. It removes up to 99.97% of tiny dust particles and mold. Air that passes through these four stages of filtration is free from airborne particles.

That is why the XPOWER X-2580 HEPA is the air scrubber with the best filtration system compared to other scrubbers on this list.

This air scrubber comes with 5-variable speed settings with the highest setting producing an airflow of about 550 CFM and maximizing the 1/2HP motor.

Specifications

• Airflow rating: 550 CFM
• Max CADR: 550
• Filtration system: 4-stage filtration system
• Power cord length: 13 ft
• Filter change indicator: Yes
• Coverage: 1500 sq ft
• Power rating: 2.8Amps, 115V, 60Hz
• Weight: 23.6lbs
• Motor: Adjustable speed
• Ductable: Yes

Benefits

• Portable and lightweight with a carrying handle
• It has a 4-stages of thorough filtration system
• Has 5-adjustable speed settings

Drawbacks

• It produces a loud noise at maximum speed

2. ALORAIR Pureairo HEPA Max 970 with UV-C Light

Best Airflow Rating

The Alorair PureAiro HEPA Max 970 is at the high-end of Alorair’s product. It features ultraviolet light, which is more effective in removing odors, mold, musty smells, and fungi in a basement.

It has mold remediation qualities paired with contractor-grade filters to generate an effective purification of the air.

There are 3-stages of the air cleaning system with an airflow rating of 750CFM, the highest on this list. It is highly versatile and designed for renovation, construction, mold remediation/dust removal in basements, sewage clean-up, and flood restoration.

The first stage of filtration is the pre-filter stage. It removes the largest particles from the air, leaving the tiny particles for the second filter – the HEPA filter.

The 2-in-1 HEPA filter acts as a True HEPA filter and activated carbon. It eliminates up to 99.97% of particles of 0.3 microns and removes bacteria, asbestos, mold spores, and other airborne pollutants from the air.

The final stage of filtration is the UV-C light, which kills microbes present in the basement. Three units of HEPA Max is daisy-chain for a more powerful air cleaning.

Specifications

• Airflow Rating: 330CFM to 750CFM
• Max CADR: 750
• Filtration system: 3-stages of filtration
• Power cord length: 20 ft
• Filter change indicator: Yes
• Coverage: 1000 sq ft
• Power rating: 3Amps, 115V, 60Hz
• Weight: 39.6lbs
• Motor: Adjustable speed
• Ductable: Yes

Benefits

• UV-C light technology captures and destroys pollutants
• It’s lightweight, stackable, and compact
• It is durable with a rotomolded polyethylene body

Drawbacks

• It’s a bit loud

3. B-Air AP-450 Max Professional Grade Air Scrubber

Best for Durability

The B-Air AP-450 is a lightweight and portable air scrubber suitable for eliminating dust, mold, virus, bacteria, allergens, pet dander, and other airborne pollutants from a basement.

It features three filters, including a pre-filter, which traps larger particles. The optional second filter removes the remaining particles that escaped the first filter.

The third stage of filtration is the HEPA filter. It captures tiny particles down to 0.3 microns to create fresh and clean air in a basement, and it’s replaceable.

The AP-450 machine comes with a power indicator light and is certified for safety. Additionally, it has an adjustable speed switch to operate the machine and deliver an airflow rating of 500CFM.

The body is durable with rotomolded housing and can withstand different temperatures and handling for several years. It is the most durable air scrubber on this list. You may use it in different room sizes, including the kitchen, basement, living room, or bedroom.

Specifications

• Airflow Rating: 500CFM
• Max CADR: 500
• Filtration system: 3-stages of filtration
• Power cord length: 25 ft
• Filter change indicator: Yes
• Coverage: 1000 sq ft
• Power rating: 2.5Amps, 115V, 60Hz
• Weight: 36lbs
• Motor: Adjustable speed
• Ductable: Yes

Benefits

• It comes with 3-stages of filtration
• It has a stackable design
• It is lightweight and portable
• It has a durable body with rotomolded housing
• Cleans the air fast
• It is easy to use

Drawbacks

• It emits the smell of plastic
• Loud operation

4. ALORAIR Cleanshield HEPA 550CFM Air Scrubber

Value for Money

The Cleanshield HEPA air scrubber is a powerful device for removing dust, mold, and mildew from a basement. It performs at its peak with adjustable speed control and 3-stages of filtration.

With an airflow rating of up to 550 CFM, the Cleanshield 550 makes the air breathable again.

The filtration stages are the Pre-filter, True HEPA filter, and Activated carbon filter. The G3 pre-filter removes larger particles, while the HEPA filter eliminates 99.96% of pollutants down to 0.3 microns in size.

These particles may include fungi, mold spores, mildew, and bacteria. The activated carbon filter removes odor from the basement, leaving fresh and clean air.

Three units are daisy-chained to this machine to achieve more air cleaning power. It is lightweight and stackable to be stored and transported easily.

The Cleanshield 550 HEPA air scrubber is suitable for crawlspaces and basements, fire and flood restoration, construction sites, tunnels, industrial cleaning, sewage remediation, dust and odor control, grinding, and welding shops.

Summarily, the asset value of ALORAIR Cleanshield HEPA 550CFM cannot be over-emphasized as ALORAIR is a known brand when cleaning of air is needed.

It is a powerful device with a good airflow rating. It traps, filters, and removes all sizes of airborne pollutants and odor from basements within a coverage area of 550 sq ft.

With a power rating of 345W, other HEPA units may be connected to it if you are working on a large area that needs a thorough cleaning. 

Specifications

• Airflow Rating: 270CFM to 550CFM
• Max CADR: 550
• Filtration system: 3-stages of filtration
• Power cord length: 25 ft
• Filter change indicator: Yes
• Coverage: 550 sq ft
• Power rating: 3Amps, 115V, 60Hz
• Weight: 39.6lbs
• Motor: Adjustable speed
• Ductable: Yes

Benefits

• Perfect for fungi, mildew, and mold remediation in basements
• Handles up to 9A when the auxiliary outlet is turned-ON
• It is durable
• It has 3-stages of filtration

Drawbacks

• Produces a loud noise during operation

5. MOUNTO AF500 1/3HP HEPA Air Scrubber

Best Price

The MOUNTO AF500 is an essential tool used at construction sites to eliminate fumes, dust, mold, and harmful particles. It has 2-stages of filtration: the pre-filter and HEPA filter. 

Larger air particles are trapped by the pre-filter, while the HEPA filter removes up to 99.97% of airborne particles of sizes down to 0.3 microns.

The MT500 cleans the air fast with its powerful blower and filter-out airborne particles anywhere air quality is needed. It is suitable for home repairs, crawlspaces, attics/basements, painting, mold remediation, water/fire damage restoration, remodels, sewage, and many more.

If you use the device in a heavy-dust environment, you can extend the life of the HEPA filter by using a second pre-filter. It also helps to prevent allergic reactions for the occupants.

It is the most affordable air scrubber on this list, with excellent features for eliminating particles and odor from basements. 

Specifications

• Airflow Rating: 250 to 500CFM
• Max CADR: 500
• Filtration system: 2-stage filtration
• Power cord length: 25 ft
• Filter change indicator: Yes
• Coverage: 1000 sq ft
• Power rating: 2Amps, 115V, 60Hz
• Weight: 40lbs
• Motor: Variable speed
• Ductable: Yes

Benefits

• 2-stage filtration system
• It has a filter replacement indicator
• It is affordable
• Efficient HEPA filter

Drawbacks

• It is loud
• No timer switch
• Not durable

Comparison Of Above Listed Air Scrubbers for Basements

Air Scrubber	Airflow	Filtration System	Coverage	Max CADR	Weight
XPOWER X-2580	550 CFM	4-Stages	1500 sq ft	550	23.6lbs
AlorAir PureAiro HEPA Max 970	330 to 750 CFM	3-Stages	1000 sq ft	750	39.6lbs
B-Air AP-450 Max	500 CFM	3-Stages	1000 sq ft	500	36lbs
AlorAir Pureairo HEPA	270 to 500 CFM	3-Stages	550 sq ft	550	39.6lbs
MOUNTO AF500	250 to 500 CFM	2-Stages	1000 sq ft	500	40lbs

Final Words:

With the air scrubbers listed in this review, it is now easy for you to rid the air of those airborne pollutants, molds, mildew, and harmful pathogens from your basement because they may affect your health and quality of life.

Investing in this machine is similar to investing in your health. Once you start using it, you’ll realize that some health-related problems such as headaches and nausea will disappear. It is due to the direct operation of the air scrubber to capture the contaminated air and wipe out the harmful pathogens to release fresh and clean air.